Music funding has been transformative for Anmara, with the Virginia-based singer-songwriter securing over $150,000 through grants, crowdfunding, and her recent Chrome City Records deal. In this episode, Anmara shares her approach to financing her music career, from winning a prestigious $75,000 House Artist Grant in 2014 to successfully building albums via Patreon pre-orders.

We explore her evolution from dreamy ambient folk toward pop as Chrome City Records invests in exploring her pop star potential, plus her DIY strategies for creating professional music videos and photo shoots on minimal budgets. Anmara compares crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter versus Patreon, discusses receiving multiple grants from Prescott College, and shares the healthy habits that fuel her continuous creative output.

From charting on iTunes’ top 100 singer-songwriter albums to touring Europe and the West Coast, Anmara opens up about imposter syndrome, today’s changing music consumption landscape, and her mission to touch lives through her music and newsletter. She also discusses essential self-care practices for show days.

This conversation offers insights and inspiration for independent musicians seeking diverse revenue streams – whether through grants, crowdfunding, or label partnerships – while building sustainable careers on their own terms.

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